Small Business Investment Grant (RFP #23-02)
Funding Amount
Up to $15,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Small Business Investment Grant (RFP #23-02)
Funder: Washington State Department of Commerce • Community Reinvestment Project
Status: Award period closed (40 grants awarded as of October 1, 2024)
Geographic Scope: King County, Washington
Focus Areas:
Objective: Rectify disproportionate impacts of historical criminal laws and penalties associated with the War on Drugs. Promote equity for businesses with focus on those 51% or more owned/operated by Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine communities.
- Small businesses and nonprofits (50 or fewer employees)
- Located in King County
- Priority: 51% or more owned/operated by individuals from Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine communities
- Other eligible populations: Refugees, immigrants, or other racially/ethnically marginalized communities
- No minimum or maximum revenue requirements
- Valid business license required
Eligibility
- Capacity building and growth initiatives
- Sustainability improvements (environmental, financial, social)
- Hiring and workforce diversity enhancement
- Employee retention and development
- Staff training programs
- Equipment purchases (if connected to focus areas)
- Capital improvements (renovations, installations, etc.)
- Admin costs and overhead
What Grant Funds Can Support
- Working capital
- Land and building acquisition
- Relieving existing debt
What They Don't Fund
- Maximum Request: $15,000 per application
- Number of Awards: 40 grants awarded
- Additional Support: Awardees receive coaching, consulting, and/or resource connections in addition to financial support
- Data/Reporting: Awardees share impact data (surveys, interviews, success stories)
Award Details
- Over 450 applications received
- 40 small businesses and nonprofits selected (predominantly Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine-owned)
Past Applicants
Contact
Email: athornton-west@seakingwdc.orgOrganization: Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
Address: 450 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206.448.0474
How to Apply
Application Process (CLOSED - Historical Information)
Timeline (from 2024 cycle):
- Basic organizational information
- Description of proposed activities
- Budget detailing fund use
- Valid business license
- IRS Form W-9
- Budget document template
- State/Local Tribal documents accepted
- Any additional documentation relevant to proposed project
Required Documentation
- Organizational overview
- Proposed activities and how they align with grant priorities
- Detailed budget with narrative
- Evidence of ownership representation
- Community and workforce benefit demonstration
- Impact and sustainability plans
Application Content
- Ownership representation
- Alignment with grant purpose
- Impact and sustainability
- Community and workforce benefit
- Completeness of application and required documentation
Evaluation Criteria
- Two webinar sessions offered
- Support for accommodations and special needs
- Contact: athornton-west@seakingwdc.org
Application Assistance Available
- Planned and actual budget with accompanying narratives
- Receipts/proof funds used for stated purposes
- Participation in coaching, consulting, and resource connection supports
- Data collection on impact (surveys, interviews, success stories)
- Compliance with all contractual obligations
Post-Award Requirements (for Awardees)
- Incomplete applications without required documentation not scored
- Applicants notified of incomplete status and provided opportunity to submit missing information
- Applications scored based on criteria outlined in scoring guide
- Funds issued via ACH to business
- Awardees engaged in holistic support beyond financial assistance
Important Notes
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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